Jaime Leigh grew up in Katikati, went to a small-town college, and always knew she wanted to be a hairdresser — even before she understood where that path could lead. What she didn’t know was that it would take her from a polytech classroom to Peter Jackson film sets, and eventually to Hollywood, where she would become a BAFTA and Emmy Award-nominated hairstylist.

In this episode, Jaime shares the real journey behind the glamour: knocking on salon doors, ignoring discouraging voices, saying yes to a last-minute Wellington opportunity, entering the U.S. Green Card lottery for five years straight, and starting again from scratch in Los Angeles. She opens up about working on major productions like Oppenheimer, The Hobbit, and Babylon, designing wigs for A-list actors, and what it’s actually like to be on set for 14–18 hour days.

Her biggest lessons? Stay grounded. Focus on the work. Protect trust. Save your money. And remember that creative trade pathways can lead to global careers — if you’re willing to keep showing up and doing the job well.

For students who love hair, fashion, film, or hands-on creative work, this conversation is proof that small-town beginnings can lead to world-class stages.

Check out her podcast with a plethora of experts in the field #lastlooks.crew

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